View allAll Photos Tagged narayan
a pilgrim, having his meal by the fort's gate.
see other people with food @ fiveprime.org/flickr_hvmnd.cgi?search_type=Tags&photo...
Shankha (Doong ou Conque) sur une colonne dans la cour du temple de Changu Narayan
Le Shankha est le nom sanskrit de la Conque que porte Vishnou en attribut. C'est un instrument de musique rituel dans l'Hindouisme, c'est aussi un instrument du Bouddhisme.
___________
Le temple de Changu Narayan est considéré comme le plus vieux du Népal, il possède un toit en forme de pagode à 2 étages. Il a été reconstruit probablement au XVIIème siècle mais avec des éléments architecturaux et décoratifs beaucoup plus anciens.
Ce temple dédié à Narayan est au sommet d'une montagne considérée comme sacrée depuis 464 après notre ère comme en atteste une référence écrite à ce site qui date du règne du roi Licchavi Mandeva mais le site était probablement sacré depuis le 3ème siècle.
Dans la cosmologie hindoue, Vishnou lorsqu'il repose sur le serpent Ananta (Shesha) est appelé Nârâyana (Narayan) c'est à dire "Reposant sur les eaux" ou "Demeure-de-l'Homme" ou encore "Demeure-du-savoir". Nârâyana, qui signifie aussi "Refuge universel", est une des 24 images de Vishnou d'après le Rupa Mandana.
Article de Wikipedia sur Narayana (Narayan au Népal)
fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narayana
Article de Wikipedia sur Changu Narayan
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Changu_Narayan
________
Autre photo d'une conque rituelle
www.flickr.com/photos/dalbera/5941349262/in/set-721576270...
The ancient Hindu temple of Changu Narayan is located on a high hilltop that is also known as Changu or Dolagiri. The temple was surrounded by forest with champak tree and a small village, known as Changu Village. The temple is located in Changunarayan VDC of Bhaktapur District, Nepal. This hill is about 8 miles east of Kathmandu and a few miles north of Bhaktapur. The Manahara River flows beside the hill. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Visnu and held in especial reverence by the Hindu people. This temple is considered as the oldest temple in Nepal.
HISTORY OF CHANGU NARAYAN TEMPLE
The pagoda style temple has several masterpieces of 5th and 12th century Nepalese art. According to legends Changu Narayan temple existed as early as 325 A.D. in the time of King Licchavi King Hari Datta Verma and it is one of Nepal's richest structures historically as well as artistically. In the grounds there is a stone pillar inscription of great importance recording the military exploits of King Man Deva who reigned from 496 A.D. to 524 A.D. The first epigraphic evidence of Nepalese history found in the temple premises during the reign of the Licchavi King Mandeva dating back to 464 A.D. shows that Changu had already been established as a sacred site in the 3rd century A.D. It is the earliest inscription known in Nepal. The temple was restored during the lifetime of Ganga Rani, consort of Siva Simha Malla who reigned from 1585 to 1614. There are records of the temple burning in the year of 822 Nepal Samvat (1702 A.D.), after which reconstruction was carried out. More inscriptions in gilt-copper plates were added by Bhaskara Malla in 1708 A.D.
LEGEND ABOUT CHANGU NARAYAN
In ancient time a Gwala, a cow herder, had brought a cow from a Brahman named Sudarshan. The cow was known for producing large quantity of milk. The Gwala used to take the cow to Changu for grazing. At that time Changu was a forest of Champak tree. While grazing the cow it always went to the shade of a particular tree. In the evening when the Gwala took the cow home and started milking the cow he got only very few amount of milk. This continued several days. He became very sad so he called the Brahmin and told him that the cow is not giving enough milk. Brahmin after observing the fact from his own eyes then planned with the Gwala to inspect the activities of cow during the day while she was grazing in the forest. Both Brahmin and Gwala hide themselves behind the trees and spectate the activities of the cow. The cow went into the shade of a particular champak tree. To their surprise a small black boy came out from the tree and started drinking the cow milk. Both became very furious and they thought that the boy must be the devil and tree must be its home. So Brahmin cut down the champak tree. When the Brahmin was cutting down the tree a fresh human blood came out from the tree. Both Brahmin and Gwala became worried and they thought that they have committed the great crime and they started crying.From the tree lord Vishnu emerged out and he told the Brahmin that it was not their fault. Lord Vishnu told them the story that he had committed a heinous crime by killing Sudarshan’s father unknowingly while hunting in the forest. After that he was cursed for the crime. He then wandered on earth on his mouth, the ‘Garuda’ eventually descending on the hill at Changu. There he lived in anonymity, surviving on milk stolen from a cow. When Brahmin cut down the tree, lord Vishnu was beheaded which freed Lord Vishnu from his sins. After hearing these words from Vishnu, Brahmin and Gwala started worshipping the place and they established a small temple in the name of Lord Vishnu. Ever since that day, the site has been held sacred. . Even today we can find the descendant of Sudarshan Brahmin as priest of the temple and the descendents of Gwala as ghutiyars (conservators).
PHYSICAL ASPECTS
Changu Narayan Temple is situated at the top of the hill surrounded by forest of Champ tree. On the main way to temple courtyard, we can find human settlement. People from Newar community live in and around Changu Narayan area. With the development in tourism in this place, we can find many medium and small sized hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, etc. An ancient stone tap is located on the way to Changunaran which is believed to have existed since the time of Lichhavi.
THE TEMPLE ART AND ARCHITECTURE
Changu Narayan is considered to be the oldest temple of Nepal. It remains a milestone in Nepali temple architecture with rich embossed works. The two-storey roofed temple stands on a high plinth of stone. According to Professor Madhan Rimal, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Tribhuwan University, the temple is neither in Shikhara Style nor the Pagoda style. It has an architectural style which he would like to describe as a traditional Nepali temple. Many similar features are found at Gokarna Mahadev. The temple is surrounded by sculptures and arts related to Lord Vishnu. Also we can find the temples of lord Shiva, Ashta Matrika, Chhinnamasta, Kileshwor and Krishna inside the courtyard of main temple. There are four entrances to the temple and these gates are guarded by life size pairs of animals such as lions, sarabhas, graffins and elephants on each side of the entrances. The ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu and the other idols are carved in the struts, which support the roof. The entrance door is gilded with carvings of Nagas (snakes). On the main entrance gate (i.e. western entrance gate), we can find the Chakra, Sankha, Kamal and Khadga all at the top of a stone pillar. These stone pillars has inscription in Sanskrit. This inscription is considered to be the oldest inscription of Nepal and the stone inscription pillar was erected by Lichhavi King Manadeva in 464 AD. The following monument are located while visiting the temple from the right side after entering from the main entrance (Eastern gate) to courtyard.
Historical pillar erected by Mandeva in 464 AD
Garuda:- flying vehicle of Lord Vishnu which has got a human face and is a devotee of Vishnu.
Statue of Bhupalendra Malla, King of Kantipur and his queen BhuwanLakshmi.
Chanda Narayan (Garuda Narayan):- 7th century stone sculpture of Vishnu riding on Garuda. This sculpture has been depicted in the 10 rupee paper note issued by Nepal Rastra Bank
Sridhar Vishnu:- 9th century stone sculpture of Vishnu, Laxmi and Garuda which stands on the pedestals of various motifs.
Vaikuntha Vishnu :- 16th century sculpture of Vishnu seated on the lalitason position on the six armed Garuda and Laxmi seated on the lap of Vishnu
Chhinnamasta:- Temple dedicated to Chhinnamasta devi, who beheaded herself, offered her own blood to feed the hungry Dakini and Varnini.
Vishworup:- 7th century stone sculpture- beautifully carved that depicts the scene from the Bhagwat Gita, in which Lord Krishna manifests his universal form to his devotee Arjun.
Vishnu Vikrant :- 7th century sculpture of Trivikram Vishnu that depicts the scene of popular Hindu myth of Lord Vishnu and his beloved Bali Raja.
Narasimha :- 7th century sculpture of Narasimha , an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, killing the demon King Hiranyakasyapa to save his beloved devotee Prahalad.
Kileshwor:- small two storied temples of Lord Shiva, who is believed to have appeared in this place for the protection of the hill.
INFORMATION CENTRE
There is a information centre at the entrance to Changu Village. They issue tickets to tourist. The information center has a public toilet for tourist. Also drinking water facilities is available for tourist. But the drink water facilities have not been managed properly. Only direct tap water is available there. According to Binaya Raj Shrestha, owner of Chagu Museum and the member of temple management committee, on an average 150 foreigners visit Changu.
CHANGU MUSEUM
A private museum is also located on in the Changu Narayan on the way to temple. According to Binaya Raj Shrestha, the owner of the museum, it is the first private museum of Nepal and it has the collection of ancient coins, tools, arts and architectures. There is an excellent collection of ancient, historical, artistic, religious, archaeological, cultural and other rare objects. The museum has a good collection of ancient tools used by Newar family during the medieval period. It was established on the occasion of millennium year 2000 AD with the permission of Changu Narayan VDC. The entrance fee for Nepalese is NRs. 50 and NRs. 300 is charged for foreigner. On an average 35 visitors visit this museum in a day. Mostly foreigners and Nepali students visit this museum.
ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM
There is an ethnographic museum inside the building of the temple which incorporates both objects and photographs collected by Judith Davis. Entrance is INR. 250 for foreigners. There is also a small bookshop.
FESTIVALS AND FAIRS
Since the ancient period, many festivals and fairs have been organized on various occasions. One of the main festivals of Changu is called Changu Narayan Jatra. The festival ‘Mahashanan’ held here as an important festival. On the day of ‘Jugadi Nawami’ and ‘Haribodhini Ekadashi’ special puja is conducted in Changu. Daily puja and aarati is not conducted in temple and on the occasion of family rituals, such as birthday, marriage, etc local conduct not special puja in the temple.
MANAGEMENT APPROACHES
Changu Narayan Temple is on the list of world heritage sites. The valuable stone sculpture and ancient inscriptions have archeological, historical and cultural significance. Changu Narayan VDC is formed a committee called Changu Narayan Temple management Committee which is the responsible body to work for protection, preservation and management. Likewise the Department of Archeology and Palace Management Office, Bhaktapur has also provided assistance on the conservation and preservation of the temple. Many local youth clubs are involved in managing festivals, organizing awareness programs in and around temple area.
THREATS/CHALLENGES
The Manohara stream has long seen rampant mining of sand and stones. Local administration have failed to control the mining activities. Because of the mining activities, the temple area has become prone to landslides. Due to overgrazing in the nearby forest, the chances of soil erosion and landslide are very high.
There is a challenge regarding the security of the unique sculptures. Also the temple is getting older so renovation is necessary. The tourist information center has not been managed properly and they have not maintained good records of tourists. The museum is not issuing ticket bills after payments are made by Nepali visitors. Although Changu is only 8 miles east of Kathmandu, bus service is still lacking which means a newly constructed road to Changu has failed to bring in a significant number of tourists.
WIKIPEDIA
Child Play con Gurudass Kaur
Taller de Yoga para niños
Centro de Yoga Kundalini Narayan
Hacienda de Guru Ram Das - Española (New México)
Narayan Singh
Yoga para mayores
antiestres
relajación
meditación
festivales de yoga
festivales de yoga en españa
festival internacional de kundalini yoga en galicia
festival kundalini yoga galicia
festival kundalini yoga en galicia
A Casa da Terra
Lugo
Vigo
Galicia
Yoga en Sada
Kundalini Yoga en Sada
Kundalini Yoga en Santiago de Compostela
Kundalini Yoga centers
formación de yoga
centros de yoga
centros de kundalini yoga
ansiedad
depresión
viajes mágicos
Yogi Bhajan
kundalini yoga
kundalini yoga españa
kundalini yoga galicia
kundalini yoga sada
kundalini yoga en lugo
kundalini yoga en vigo
yogi bhajan
Hacienda de Guru Ram Das
Española
New Mexico
Yoga para mayores
antiestres
meditacion
relajacion
festivales de yoga
ansiedad
A Casa da Terra
Lugo
Vigo
Galicia
Kundalini Yoga Narayan
Festival de Kundalini Yoga en Galicia
Kundalini Yoga Galicia
Yoga Kundalini
Centros de Yoga
Yoga en Galicia
Yoga en España
Yoga en Vigo
Centro Narayan
Domaio
yoga para niños
yoga para embarazadas
yoga para hombres
yoga para mujeres
yoga para empresas
kundalini yoga en
Innova Yoga
Centro de Yoga Narayan
yoga en coruña
kundalini yoga en santiago de compostela
centros de yoga
centros de kundalini yoga
centros de yoga kundalini
yoga kundalini
yoga spain
April 2015 earthquake: I have enjoyed Nepal, the vibrancy of Kathmandu, its monuments and its people and I feel for them at this time. If you are going to use any of my images on your blogs, reports, publications etc. please consider giving a donation to help the country and its people. My preferred charity is Medicins Sans Frontieres / Doctors Without Borders (www.msf.org,uk or www.msf.ch or other national sites)
Une des 4 portes du temple de Changu Narayan
___________
Le temple de Changu Narayan est considéré comme le plus vieux du Népal, il possède un toit en forme de pagode à 2 étages. Il a été reconstruit probablement au XVIIème siècle mais avec des éléments architecturaux et décoratifs beaucoup plus anciens.
Ce temple dédié à Narayan est au sommet d'une montagne considérée comme sacrée depuis 464 après notre ère comme en atteste une référence écrite à ce site qui date du règne du roi Licchavi Mandeva mais le site était probablement sacré depuis le 3ème siècle.
Dans la cosmologie hindoue, Vishnou lorsqu'il repose sur le serpent Ananta (Shesha) est appelé Nârâyana (Narayan) c'est à dire "Reposant sur les eaux" ou "Demeure-de-l'Homme" ou encore "Demeure-du-savoir". Nârâyana, qui signifie aussi "Refuge universel", est une des 24 images de Vishnou d'après le Rupa Mandana.
Article de Wikipedia sur Narayana (Narayan au Népal)
fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narayana
Article de Wikipedia sur Changu Narayan
Coming back from a visit to Changu Narayan, riding on the roof of the packed bus, we visited the old Thapa family house in the tiny town of Pikhel. Now an uncle and his wife live there.
Kathmandu Durbar Square or Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square is the plaza in front of the old royal palace of the then Kathmandu Kingdom. It is one of three Durbar (royal palace) Squares in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Durbar Square is surrounded with spectacular architecture and vividly showcases the skills of the Newar artists and craftsmen over several centuries. The royal palace was originally at Dattaraya square and was later moved to the Durbar square location.
The Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the palaces of the Malla and Shah kings who ruled over the city. Along with these palaces, the square surrounds quadrangles revealing courtyards and temples. It is known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, a name derived from a statue of Hanuman, the monkey devotee of Lord Ram, at the entrance of the palace.
HISTORY AND CONSTRUCTION
The preference for the construction of royal palaces at this site dates back to as early as the Licchavi period in the third century. Even though the present palaces and temples have undergone repeated and extensive renovations and nothing physical remains from that period, names like Gunapo and Gupo, which are the names referred to the palaces in the square in early scriptures, imply that the palaces were built by Gunakamadev, a king ruling late in the tenth century. When Kathmandu City became independent under the rule of King Ratna Malla (1484–1520) the palaces in the square became the royal palaces for its Malla kings. When Prithvi Narayan Shah invaded the Kathmandu Valley in 1769, he favored the Kathmandu Durbar Square for his palace. Other subsequent Shah kings continued to rule from the square until 1896 when they moved to the Narayan Hiti Palace.
The square is still the center of important royal events like the coronation of King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah in 1975 and King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah in 2001.
Though there are no written archives stating the history of Kathmandu Durbar Square, construction of the palace in the square is credited to Sankharadev (1069–1083). As the first king of the independent Kathmandu City, Ratna Malla is said to have built the Taleju temple in the Northern side of the palace in 1501. For this to be true then the temple would have had to have been built in the vihara style as part of the palace premise surrounding the Mul Chok courtyard for no evidence of a separate structure that would match this temple can be found within the square.
Construction of the Karnel Chok is not clearly stated in any historical inscriptions; although, it is probably the oldest among all the courtyards in the square. The Bhagavati Temple, originally known as a Narayan Temple, rises above the mansions surrounding it and was added during the time of Jagajaya Malla in the early eighteenth century. The Narayan idol within the temple was stolen so Prithvi Narayan Shah replaced it with an image of Bhagavati, completely transforming the name of the temple.
The oldest temples in the square are those built by Mahendra Malla (1560–1574). They are the temples of Jagannath, Kotilingeswara Mahadev, Mahendreswara, and the Taleju Temple. This three-roofed Taleju Temple was established in 1564, in a typical Newari architectural style and is elevated on platforms that form a pyramid-like structure. It is said that Mahendra Malla, when he was residing in Bhaktapur, was highly devoted to the Taleju Temple there; the Goddess being pleased with his devotion gave him a vision asking him to build a temple for her in the Kathmandu Durbar Square. With a help of a hermit, he designed the temple to give it its present form and the Goddess entered the temple in the form of a bee.
His successors Sadasiva (1575–1581), his son, Shiva Simha (1578–1619), and his grandson, Laxmi Narsingha (1619–1641), do not seem to have made any major additions to the square. During this period of three generations the only constructions to have occurred were the establishment of Degutale Temple dedicated to Goddess Mother Taleju by Shiva Simha and some enhancement in the royal palace by Laksminar Simha.
UNDER PRATAP MALLA
In the time of Pratap Malla, son of Laksminar Simha, the square was extensively developed. He was an intellectual, a pious devotee, and especially interested in arts. He called himself a Kavindra, king of poets, and boasted that he was learned in fifteen different languages. A passionate builder, following his coronation as a king, he immediately began enlargements to his royal palace, and rebuilt some old temples and constructed new temples, shrines and stupas around his kingdom. There also took the massacre called Kot Parva where the queen, prime minister, head of the states,and other people with guards died. This massacre took place in the court yard inside the palace.
During the construction of his palace, he added a small entrance in the traditional, low and narrow Newari style. The door was elaborately decorated with carvings and paintings of deities and auspicious sings and was later transferred to the entrance of Mohan Chok. In front of the entrance he placed the statue of Hanuman thinking that Hanuman would strengthen his army and protect his home. The entrance leads to Nasal Chok, the courtyard where most royal events such as coronation, performances, and yagyas, holy fire rituals, take place. It was named after Nasadya, the God of Dance, and during the time of Pratap Malla the sacred mask dance dramas performed in Nasal Chok were widely famed. In one of these dramas, it is said that Pratap Malla himself played the role of Lord Vishnu and that the spirit of the Lord remained in the king's body even after the play. After consulting his Tantric leaders, he ordered a stone image of Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Nara Simha, the half-lion and half-human form, and then transferred the spirit into the stone. This fine image of Nara Simha made in 1673 still stands in the Nasal Chok. In 1650, he commissioned for the construction of Mohan Chok in the palace. This chok remained the royal residential courtyard for many years and is believed to store a great amount of treasure under its surface. Pratap Malla also built Sundari Chok about this time. He placed a slab engraved with lines in fifteen languages and proclaimed that he who can understand the inscription would produce the flow of milk instead of water from Tutedhara, a fountain set in the outer walls of Mohan Chok. However elaborate his constructions may have been, they were not simply intended to emphasize his luxuries but also his and the importance of others' devotion towards deities. He made extensive donations to temples and had the older ones renovated. Next to the palace, he built a Krishna temple, the Vamsagopala, in an octagonal shape in 1649. He dedicated this temple to his two Indian wives, Rupamati and Rajamati, as both had died during the year it was built. In Mohan Chok, he erected a three roofed Agamachem temple and a unique temple with five superimposing roofs. After completely restoring the Mul Chok, he donated to the adjoining Taleju Temple. To the main temple of Taleju, he donated metal doors in 1670. He rebuilt the Degutale Temple built by his grandfather, Siva Simha, and the Taleju Temple in the palace square. As a substitute to the Indreswara Mahadeva Temple in the distant village of Panauti he built a Shiva temple, Indrapura, near his palace in the square. He carved hymns on the walls of the Jagannath Temple as prayers to Taleju in the form of Kali.
At the southern end of the square, near Kasthamandap at Maru, which was the main city crossroads for early traders, he built another pavilion named Kavindrapura, the mansion of the king of poets. In this mansion he set an idol of dancing Shiva, Nasadyo, which today is highly worshipped by dancers in the Valley.
In the process of beautifying his palace, he added fountains, ponds, and baths. In Sundari Chok, he established a low bath with a golden fountain. He built a small pond, the Naga Pokhari, in the palace adorned with Nagakastha, a wooden serpent, which is said he had ordered stolen from the royal pond in the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. He restored the Licchavi stone sculptures such as the Jalasayana Narayana, the Kaliyadamana, and the Kala Bhairav. An idol of Jalasayana Narayana was placed in a newly created pond in the Bhandarkhal garden in the eastern wing of the palace. As a substitute to the idol of Jalasayana Narayana in Buddhanilkantha, he channeled water from Buddhanilkantha to the pond in Bhandarkhal due bestow authenticity. The Kalyadana, a manifestation of Lord Krishna destroying Kaliya, a water serpent, is placed in Kalindi Chok, which is adjacent to the Mohan Chok. The approximately ten-feet-high image of terrifyingly portrayed Kal Bhairav is placed near the Jagannath Temple. This image is the focus of worship in the chok especially during Durga Puja.
With the death of Pratap Malla in 1674, the overall emphasis on the importance of the square came to a halt. His successors retained relatively insignificant power and the prevailing ministers took control of most of the royal rule. The ministers encountered little influence under these kings and, increasingly, interest of the arts and additions to the square was lost on them. They focused less on culture than Pratap Malla during the three decades that followed his death, steering the city and country more towards the arenas of politics and power, with only a few minor constructions made in the square. These projects included Parthivendra Malla building a temple referred to as Trailokya Mohan or Dasavatara, dedicated to Lord Vishnu in 1679. A large statue of Garuda, the mount of Lord Vishnu, was added in front of it a decade later. Parthivendra Malla added a pillar with image of his family in front of the Taleju Temple.
Around 1692, Radhilasmi, the widowed queen of Pratap Malla, erected the tall temples of Shiva known as Maju Deval near the Garuda image in the square. This temple stands on nine stepped platforms and is one of the tallest buildings in the square. Then her son, Bhupalendra Malla, took the throne and banished the widowed queen to the hills. His death came early at the age of twenty one and his widowed queen, Bhuvanalaksmi, built a temple in the square known as Kageswara Mahadev. The temple was built in the Newari style and acted as a substitute for worship of a distant temple in the hills. After the earthquake in 1934, the temple was restored with a dome roof, which was alien to the Newari architecture.
Jayaprakash Malla, the last Malla king to rule Kathmandu, built a temple for Kumari and Durga in her virginal state. The temple was named Kumari Bahal and was structured like a typical Newari vihara. In his house resides the Kumari, a girl who is revered as the living goddess. He also made a chariot for Kumari and in the courtyard had detailed terra cotta tiles of that time laid down.
UNDER THE SHAH DYNASTY
During the Shah dynasty that followed, the Kathmandu Durbar Square saw a number of changes. Two of the most unique temples in the square were built during this time. One is the Nautale, a nine-storied building known as Basantapur Durbar. It has four roofs and stands at the end of Nasal Chok at the East side of the palace. It is said that this building was set as a pleasure house. The lower three stories were made in the Newari farmhouse style. The upper floors have Newari style windows, sanjhya and tikijhya, and some of them are slightly projected from the wall. The other temple is annexed to the Vasantapur Durbar and has four-stories. This building was initially known as Vilasamandira, or Lohom Chok, but is now commonly known as Basantapur or Tejarat Chok. The lower floors of the Basantapur Chok display extensive woodcarvings and the roofs are made in popular the Mughal style. Archives state that Prthivi Narayan Shah built these two buildings in 1770.
Rana Bahadur Shah was enthroned at the age of two. Bahadur Shah, the second son of Prithvi Narayan Shah, ruled as a regent for his young nephew Rana Bahadur Shah for a close to a decade from 1785 to 1794 and built a temple of Shiva Parvati in the square. This one roofed temple is designed in the Newari style and is remarkably similar to previous temples built by the Mallas. It is rectangular in shape, and enshrines the Navadurga, a group of goddesses, on the ground floor. It has a wooden image of Shiva and Parvati at the window of the upper floor, looking out at the passersby in the square. Another significant donation made during the time of Rana Bahadur Shah is the metal-plated head of Swet Bhairav near the Degutale Temple. It was donated during the festival of Indra Jatra in 1795, and continues to play a major role during the festival every year. This approximately twelve feet high face of Bhairav is concealed behind a latticed wooden screen for the rest of the year. The following this donation Rana Bahadur donated a huge bronze bell as an offering to the Goddess Taleju. Together with the beating of the huge drums donated by his son Girvan Yudha, the bell was rung every day during the daily ritual worship to the goddess. Later these instruments were also used as an alarm system. However, after the death of his beloved third wife Kanimati Devi due to smallpox, Rana Bahadur Shah turned mad with grief and had many images of gods and goddesses smashed including the Taleju statue and bell, and Sitala, the goddess of smallpox.
In 1908, a palace, Gaddi Durbar, was built using European architectural designs. The Rana Prime Ministers who had taken over the power but not the throne of the country from the Shahs Kings from 1846 to 1951 were highly influenced by European styles. The Gaddi Durbar is covered in white plaster, has Greek columns and adjoins a large audience hall, all foreign features to Nepali architecture. The balconies of this durbar were reserved for the royal family during festivals to view the square below.
Some of the parts of the square like the Hatti Chok near the Kumari Bahal in the southern section of the square were removed during restoration after the devastating earthquake in 1934. While building the New Road, the southeastern part of the palace was cleared away, leaving only fragments in places as reminders of their past. Though decreased from its original size and attractiveness from its earlier seventeenth-century architecture, the Kathmandu Durbar Square still displays an ancient surrounding that spans abound five acres of land. It has palaces, temples, quadrangles, courtyards, ponds, and images that were brought together over three centuries of the Malla, the Shah, and the Rana dynasties.
VISITING
Kathmandu's Durbar Square is the site of the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex, which was the royal Nepalese residence until the 19th century and where important ceremonies, such as the coronation of the Nepalese monarch, still take place today. The palace is decorated with elaborately-carved wooden windows and panels and houses the King Tribhuwan Memorial Museum and the Mahendra Museum. It is possible to visit the state rooms inside the palace.
Time and again the temples and the palaces in the square have gone through reconstruction after being damaged by natural causes or neglect. Presently there are less than ten quadrangles in the square. The temples are being preserved as national heritage sites and the palace is being used as a museum. Only a few parts of the palace are open for visitors and the Taleju temples are only open for people of Hindu and Buddhist faiths.
At the southern end of Durbar Square is one of the most curious attractions in Nepal, the Kumari Chowk. This gilded cage contains the Raj Kumari, a girl chosen through an ancient and mystical selection process to become the human incarnation of the Hindu mother goddess, Durga. She is worshiped during religious festivals and makes public appearances at other times for a fee paid to her guards.
WIKIPEDIA
In the temple yard of Changu Narayan I was impressed by the richness in the art of woodcarvings the temples all over Nepal bare. It's so voluminous, so rich of color and craft, even so extreme that sexual education was explained to the Nepali thru 500year woodcarved Kamasutra-positions (since there where no books in previous times) - unfortunately not exposible on Flickr. As father of a woodsculptor (Simon) my heart was bleeding...
The ancient temple of Changu Narayana is located on a high hilltop about 8 miles east of Kathmandu and a few miles north of Bhaktapur. The Manahara River flows beside the hill. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Visnu and held in especial reverence by the Hindu people. This temple is considered as the oldest temple in Nepal.The temple is full of magnificent art works in metal and wood. In fact, it is one of the finest examples of Nepalese architecture. The first epigraphic evidence of Nepalese history found in the temple premises during the reign of the Licchavi King Mandeva dating back to 464 A.D. shows that Changu had already been established as a sacred site in the 3rd century A.D. The present structure was probably constructed in the 17th century, through older elements have been incorporated during the restorations. The pagoda style temple has several masterpieces of 5th and 12th century Nepalese art. Wikipedia
Le temple de Keshav Narayan au centre de la cour (chowk) du palais royal de Patan à laquelle il a donné son nom (Manigal Durbar)
Ancienne résidence des rois Malla, ces bâtiments abritent aujourd'hui le musée de Patan.
________
Le palais royal de Patan a été construit au XIVème siècle, il a été remanié et agrandi à plusieurs reprises par les rois de la dynastie des Malla. Ce palais est plus ancien que ceux de Katmandou et
Bhaktapur.
Article de Wikipedia sur Patan
fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patan_%28N%C3%A9pal%29
Site officiel
www.lalitpur.org.np/e_home.php
Patan sur Insecula
Kirtipur (Nepali: कीर्तिपुर, Nepal Bhasa: किपू Kipu) is an ancient city in Nepal. It is located in the Kathmandu Valley 5 km south-west of the city of Kathmandu. It is one of the five municipalities in the valley, the others being Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur and Madhyapur Thimi.
ETYMOLOGY
The name Kirtipur comes from Kirti (glory) and pur (city).
DEMOGRAPHICS
Originally a Newar foundation, Kirtipur is still a center of Newar culture. It has been merged with surrounding villages to form the municipality of Kirtipur with a population of 67,171.
It consists of many temples, gumbas (Buddhist monastery) and churches too. Due to the presence of Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur is also a popular area for out-of-town students and professors to rent houses and they are major contributors to the local economy.
HISTORY
Kirtipur's history dates from 1099 AD. It was part of the territory of Lalitpur at the time of the invasion of the Kathmandu Valley by the Gorkhali king Prithvi Narayan Shah in the 18th century.
In 1767, Kirtipur was annexed to the Gorkhali kingdom by Prithvi Narayan following the Battle of Kirtipur. He took the town on his twenty third attempt, after entering it by trickery. After this, he cut off the noses and lips of everybody in the city.
This was the site of an inspirational peaceful demonstration of the people in the 2006 mass uprising that overthrew the powers of the king. It is considered to be an anti-monarchy city due to its bitter history against the Shah dynasty whose modern founder conquered the city insultingly, which was followed by negligence of the administration and development by subsequent rulers.
PLACES OF INTEREST
BAGH BHAIRAB
Bagh Bhairab temple is one of the most popular temples dedicated to the God Bhairab in the form of a tiger. This god is regarded as the guardian of Kirtipur and the locals call it Ajudeu, a grandfather god. Bhairab, the most terrifying and awful form of Shiva is the destroyer on one hand and the guardian on the other. Ceremonial rituals in relation to the important events of life such as rice-feeding, puberty, marriage and even the construction of houses cannot be done without propitiating this deity in most of the towns and cities of Nepal.
The present three storeyed temple of Bagh Bhairab probably built in 16th century stands in the brick-paved rectangular courtyard with the rest houses around it. There are some small shrines and stone images spread over the courtyard. The main gate is at the southern side. There are two other gates in the eastern and western sides. The two roofs of the temple are of tiles while the third one is covered with gilt-copper. There are wooden pillars carved with Hindu gods and goddesses. They have been erected in between windows of the second storey and the names of the carved deities have been finely cut out below them on the pedestals.
There are eighteen pinnacles-one in the first roof, six in the middle and eleven in the top roof. Beneath the eaves of the first roof there are very old but faded murals depicting the stories of Ramayan. Maha Bharat and the various manifestations of Durga, the mighty mother goddess. These paintings are frescoes in red with white plaster background. At the right side of the main gate of the temple there is Hifa Dyo, the god of blood sacrifice is allowed directly to Bagh Bhairab, all animal offerings to the deity are made here on behalf of this deity just as the animal sacrifices are made to Kumari, a stone idol, placed at the second gate in the left side of Chandeswori at Banepa and to the Chhetrapal which is at the very beginning of the final series of the steps to the temple of Khadga Jogini at Sankhu.
There are two torans over Hifa Dyo. They bear very fine cuttings of Asta-Matriks, Asta-Bhairabs and other gods and goddesses. In the western wall of the temple there is a hollow space regarded by the local people as Nasa Dyo, the god of music and dance. Bagh Bhairab made of clay has been enshrined in the left side corner in the temple. The three glass-eyed tiger-god is tongue-less and tooth-less but covered with silver and copper plates and heavily ornamented. This deity as mentioned in the stone inscriptions has been called Bagheswor (the tiger god), Bhimsen Bhattarak (Bhimsen, the governing deity), Gudei Sthanadhipati (the lord in the form of tiger) and Ajudyo(the ancestral god).
The local peoples hail this deity as the embodiment of prudence, knowledge, productivity and strength to resist all evils. Hence, the auspicious ceremonies such as weddings, hair-cuttings, rice-feedings and other ritual performances in Kirtipur are done only after a puza to this deity.
CHILANCHO STUPA
A Buddhist shrine, is situated on the southern hill. It is located in Kirtipur, Nepal. It was made in medieval period. An inscription of Nepal Samvat 635 is found in this Chaitya. Therefore, it is one of the most important historical stupa of this region.
UMA MAHESHWAR
Uma Maheshwar temple (locally, Kwacho Dega) is one of the important heritage sites of Kirtipur. This pagoda-style three-storied temple is situated at the highest point (1414 m) of Kirtipur. Since this temple is at the top of the hill, one can enjoy picturesque view of the Kathmandu valley and mountains like Langtang, Dorge Lakkpa, Chobhu Bhamure, and Gaurishankar.
The temple was constructed in 1655 AD by Rautra Vishwanath Babu, a son of king Sidhhi Narsinga Malla. It was destructed in an earthquake in 1832 AD. After remained dilapidated for about a century, it was restored in 1933 AD after it was again destroyed by an earthquake. Local people and government made a herculean effort to renovate it into the current state. The restoration process was completed only in 1982 AD. Recently, in 2008 some work was done to preserve the arts of temple.
There is an artistic stone gate at the entrance. On each side of the stone staircase leading to the temple, there is a stone elephant, with sculptures of Bhimsen and Kuber as protectors of the temple. The main deities in this temple are standing Lord Shiva and Parvati. There are other images of deities like Sarasvati and Mahismardini on false doors around temple.
The wooden doors, pillars, and beams are crafted with artistic figures of different gods and goddess such as Astamatrika and Asta Bhairav. Similarly, erotic figures are also carved in wooden beams. According to archeologists, these figures on beams have tantric values.
The bell on the northern side of temple was cast in 1895 by Gillett & Johnston Founders, Corydon. It was one of the four quarter bells of Ghantaghar of the central Kathmandu and was reallocated to this temple after the Ghantaghar was destroyed by the earthquake in 1933.
SHRI KIRTI BIHAR
A Theravada Buddhist monastery built in traditional Thai architectural style, is situated near the entrance to the city.
MEDIA
To Promote local culture Kirtipur has one FM radio station Radio Newa F.M. - 106.6 MHz Which is a Community radio Station.There are several weekly newspaper published from Kirtipur. They are Shahid Weekly, Kirtipur Darpan, Kirtipur Sandesh. Also there is a local television station, Kirtipur Channel and some more local channel.
WIKIPEDIA
Stèle gravée datant de 464 après notre ère, érigée par le roi Lichhavi Manadeva, dans la cour du temple de Changu Narayan
___________
Le temple de Changu Narayan est considéré comme le plus vieux du Népal, il possède un toit en forme de pagode à 2 étages. Il a été reconstruit probablement au XVIIème siècle mais avec des éléments architecturaux et décoratifs beaucoup plus anciens.
Ce temple dédié à Narayan est au sommet d'une montagne considérée comme sacrée depuis 464 après notre ère comme en atteste une référence écrite à ce site qui date du règne du roi Licchavi Mandeva mais le site était probablement sacré depuis le 3ème siècle.
Dans la cosmologie hindoue, Vishnou lorsqu'il repose sur le serpent Ananta (Shesha) est appelé Nârâyana (Narayan) c'est à dire "Reposant sur les eaux" ou "Demeure-de-l'Homme" ou encore "Demeure-du-savoir". Nârâyana, qui signifie aussi "Refuge universel", est une des 24 images de Vishnou d'après le Rupa Mandana.
Article de Wikipedia sur Narayana (Narayan au Népal)
fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narayana
Article de Wikipedia sur Changu Narayan
a pilgrim, in the street of narayan sarovar.
since vodafone took over hutch, services has deteoriated much.
see other images related to fiveprime.org/flickr_hvmnd.cgi?search_type=Tags&photo...
The two rishis Nara (Man) and Narayan (God) appeared as two four-armed Prophets who were also One Person. Nara appeared later as Arjuna and Narayan Rishi as Krishna Bhagavan.
Gorkha was the birthplace of Prithvi Narayan Sha, conqueror of the Kathmandu Valley and founder of modern Nepal. It´s a major pilgrimage destination, particularly for Newars, who regard the Shah kings as living incarnation of Vishnu. The main attraction here is the Gorkha Durba, the former palace of the Shahs, which lords over Gorkha from a precarious ridge above the town.
SIGHTS
GORKHA DURBAR
Regarded by many as the crowning glory of Newari architecture, Gorkha Durbar is a fort, a palace and a temple all in one. This magnificent architectural confection is perched high above Gorkha on a knife-edge ridge, with superb views over the Trisuli Valley and the soaring peaks of the Annapurna and Ganesh Himalaya.
As the birthplace of Prithvi Narayan Shah, the Durbar has huge significance for Nepalis. The great Shah was born here in around 1723, when Gorkha was a minor feudal kingdom, in thrall to the larger citystates in the Kathmandu Valley. Upon gaining the throne, Prithvi Narayan forced the Kathmandu Valley into submission, forging a kingdom that extended far into India and Tibet. In 1769 the capital was shifted from Gorkha to Kathmandu and Gorkha was relegated to the status of a national monument.
To reach the durbar, you must climb an exhausting stairway of 1500 stone steps, snaking up the hillside above the Gorkha bus stand.
KALIKA MANDIR
Build in the reign of King Ram Shah (1606-36), but extensively remodelled over the years, the temple is a psychedelic fantasy of carved peacocks, demons and serpents. The woodcarving around the doors and windows is particularly striking - note the ornate peacock windows and the erotic scenes on the root struts.
Glory sacrifices of goats, chickens, doves and buffaloes are carried out in the courtyard in front of the temple to honour the Goddess Kali, the destructive incarnation of Parvati, the consort of Shiva. Only Brahmin priests and the king can enter the temple, but non-Hindus are permitted to observe sacrifices from the terrace.
DHUNI PATI
The other major structure in the compound is Dhuni Pati, the former palace of Prithvi Narayan Shah. Like the temple, the palace is covered in elaborate woodcarvings, including a magnificent window in the shape of Garuda, the man-bird vehicle of Vishnu. Non-Hindus cannot enter but can view the room where Prithvi Narayan Shah was born through an ornate star-shaped window.
GURU GORKHANATH SHRINE
Behind the palace is the mausoleum of Guru Gorkhanath, a reclusive saint who acted as a spiritual guide for the young Prithvi Narayan. This part of the compound is closed to non-Hindus, but you can descend some stone steps to peak into the cave where the saint once lived.
HANUMAN STATUE
If you leave via the northern gate, you´ll come to a vividly painted carving of Hanuman, the monkey god, and a series of carved stone steles. A path leads east from here past a large stone resting platform (chautara) to an exposed rocky bluff with awesome views of the mountains and a set of carved stone footprints, attributed variously to Sita, Rama, Gorkhanath and Guru Padmasambhava.
The durbar is an important religios site, and visitors must follow strict rules. Shoes should be removed and photography and leather - including belts - are banned inside the Durbar complex.
Kirtipur (Nepali: कीर्तिपुर, Nepal Bhasa: किपू Kipu) is an ancient city in Nepal. It is located in the Kathmandu Valley 5 km south-west of the city of Kathmandu. It is one of the five municipalities in the valley, the others being Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur and Madhyapur Thimi.
ETYMOLOGY
The name Kirtipur comes from Kirti (glory) and pur (city).
DEMOGRAPHICS
Originally a Newar foundation, Kirtipur is still a center of Newar culture. It has been merged with surrounding villages to form the municipality of Kirtipur with a population of 67,171.
It consists of many temples, gumbas (Buddhist monastery) and churches too. Due to the presence of Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur is also a popular area for out-of-town students and professors to rent houses and they are major contributors to the local economy.
HISTORY
Kirtipur's history dates from 1099 AD. It was part of the territory of Lalitpur at the time of the invasion of the Kathmandu Valley by the Gorkhali king Prithvi Narayan Shah in the 18th century.
In 1767, Kirtipur was annexed to the Gorkhali kingdom by Prithvi Narayan following the Battle of Kirtipur. He took the town on his twenty third attempt, after entering it by trickery. After this, he cut off the noses and lips of everybody in the city.
This was the site of an inspirational peaceful demonstration of the people in the 2006 mass uprising that overthrew the powers of the king. It is considered to be an anti-monarchy city due to its bitter history against the Shah dynasty whose modern founder conquered the city insultingly, which was followed by negligence of the administration and development by subsequent rulers.
PLACES OF INTEREST
BAGH BHAIRAB
Bagh Bhairab temple is one of the most popular temples dedicated to the God Bhairab in the form of a tiger. This god is regarded as the guardian of Kirtipur and the locals call it Ajudeu, a grandfather god. Bhairab, the most terrifying and awful form of Shiva is the destroyer on one hand and the guardian on the other. Ceremonial rituals in relation to the important events of life such as rice-feeding, puberty, marriage and even the construction of houses cannot be done without propitiating this deity in most of the towns and cities of Nepal.
The present three storeyed temple of Bagh Bhairab probably built in 16th century stands in the brick-paved rectangular courtyard with the rest houses around it. There are some small shrines and stone images spread over the courtyard. The main gate is at the southern side. There are two other gates in the eastern and western sides. The two roofs of the temple are of tiles while the third one is covered with gilt-copper. There are wooden pillars carved with Hindu gods and goddesses. They have been erected in between windows of the second storey and the names of the carved deities have been finely cut out below them on the pedestals.
There are eighteen pinnacles-one in the first roof, six in the middle and eleven in the top roof. Beneath the eaves of the first roof there are very old but faded murals depicting the stories of Ramayan. Maha Bharat and the various manifestations of Durga, the mighty mother goddess. These paintings are frescoes in red with white plaster background. At the right side of the main gate of the temple there is Hifa Dyo, the god of blood sacrifice is allowed directly to Bagh Bhairab, all animal offerings to the deity are made here on behalf of this deity just as the animal sacrifices are made to Kumari, a stone idol, placed at the second gate in the left side of Chandeswori at Banepa and to the Chhetrapal which is at the very beginning of the final series of the steps to the temple of Khadga Jogini at Sankhu.
There are two torans over Hifa Dyo. They bear very fine cuttings of Asta-Matriks, Asta-Bhairabs and other gods and goddesses. In the western wall of the temple there is a hollow space regarded by the local people as Nasa Dyo, the god of music and dance. Bagh Bhairab made of clay has been enshrined in the left side corner in the temple. The three glass-eyed tiger-god is tongue-less and tooth-less but covered with silver and copper plates and heavily ornamented. This deity as mentioned in the stone inscriptions has been called Bagheswor (the tiger god), Bhimsen Bhattarak (Bhimsen, the governing deity), Gudei Sthanadhipati (the lord in the form of tiger) and Ajudyo(the ancestral god).
The local peoples hail this deity as the embodiment of prudence, knowledge, productivity and strength to resist all evils. Hence, the auspicious ceremonies such as weddings, hair-cuttings, rice-feedings and other ritual performances in Kirtipur are done only after a puza to this deity.
CHILANCHO STUPA
A Buddhist shrine, is situated on the southern hill. It is located in Kirtipur, Nepal. It was made in medieval period. An inscription of Nepal Samvat 635 is found in this Chaitya. Therefore, it is one of the most important historical stupa of this region.
UMA MAHESHWAR
Uma Maheshwar temple (locally, Kwacho Dega) is one of the important heritage sites of Kirtipur. This pagoda-style three-storied temple is situated at the highest point (1414 m) of Kirtipur. Since this temple is at the top of the hill, one can enjoy picturesque view of the Kathmandu valley and mountains like Langtang, Dorge Lakkpa, Chobhu Bhamure, and Gaurishankar.
The temple was constructed in 1655 AD by Rautra Vishwanath Babu, a son of king Sidhhi Narsinga Malla. It was destructed in an earthquake in 1832 AD. After remained dilapidated for about a century, it was restored in 1933 AD after it was again destroyed by an earthquake. Local people and government made a herculean effort to renovate it into the current state. The restoration process was completed only in 1982 AD. Recently, in 2008 some work was done to preserve the arts of temple.
There is an artistic stone gate at the entrance. On each side of the stone staircase leading to the temple, there is a stone elephant, with sculptures of Bhimsen and Kuber as protectors of the temple. The main deities in this temple are standing Lord Shiva and Parvati. There are other images of deities like Sarasvati and Mahismardini on false doors around temple.
The wooden doors, pillars, and beams are crafted with artistic figures of different gods and goddess such as Astamatrika and Asta Bhairav. Similarly, erotic figures are also carved in wooden beams. According to archeologists, these figures on beams have tantric values.
The bell on the northern side of temple was cast in 1895 by Gillett & Johnston Founders, Corydon. It was one of the four quarter bells of Ghantaghar of the central Kathmandu and was reallocated to this temple after the Ghantaghar was destroyed by the earthquake in 1933.
SHRI KIRTI BIHAR
A Theravada Buddhist monastery built in traditional Thai architectural style, is situated near the entrance to the city.
MEDIA
To Promote local culture Kirtipur has one FM radio station Radio Newa F.M. - 106.6 MHz Which is a Community radio Station.There are several weekly newspaper published from Kirtipur. They are Shahid Weekly, Kirtipur Darpan, Kirtipur Sandesh. Also there is a local television station, Kirtipur Channel and some more local channel.
WIKIPEDIA
Gorkha was the birthplace of Prithvi Narayan Sha, conqueror of the Kathmandu Valley and founder of modern Nepal. It´s a major pilgrimage destination, particularly for Newars, who regard the Shah kings as living incarnation of Vishnu. The main attraction here is the Gorkha Durba, the former palace of the Shahs, which lords over Gorkha from a precarious ridge above the town.
SIGHTS
GORKHA DURBAR
Regarded by many as the crowning glory of Newari architecture, Gorkha Durbar is a fort, a palace and a temple all in one. This magnificent architectural confection is perched high above Gorkha on a knife-edge ridge, with superb views over the Trisuli Valley and the soaring peaks of the Annapurna and Ganesh Himalaya.
As the birthplace of Prithvi Narayan Shah, the Durbar has huge significance for Nepalis. The great Shah was born here in around 1723, when Gorkha was a minor feudal kingdom, in thrall to the larger citystates in the Kathmandu Valley. Upon gaining the throne, Prithvi Narayan forced the Kathmandu Valley into submission, forging a kingdom that extended far into India and Tibet. In 1769 the capital was shifted from Gorkha to Kathmandu and Gorkha was relegated to the status of a national monument.
To reach the durbar, you must climb an exhausting stairway of 1500 stone steps, snaking up the hillside above the Gorkha bus stand.
KALIKA MANDIR
Build in the reign of King Ram Shah (1606-36), but extensively remodelled over the years, the temple is a psychedelic fantasy of carved peacocks, demons and serpents. The woodcarving around the doors and windows is particularly striking - note the ornate peacock windows and the erotic scenes on the root struts.
Glory sacrifices of goats, chickens, doves and buffaloes are carried out in the courtyard in front of the temple to honour the Goddess Kali, the destructive incarnation of Parvati, the consort of Shiva. Only Brahmin priests and the king can enter the temple, but non-Hindus are permitted to observe sacrifices from the terrace.
DHUNI PATI
The other major structure in the compound is Dhuni Pati, the former palace of Prithvi Narayan Shah. Like the temple, the palace is covered in elaborate woodcarvings, including a magnificent window in the shape of Garuda, the man-bird vehicle of Vishnu. Non-Hindus cannot enter but can view the room where Prithvi Narayan Shah was born through an ornate star-shaped window.
GURU GORKHANATH SHRINE
Behind the palace is the mausoleum of Guru Gorkhanath, a reclusive saint who acted as a spiritual guide for the young Prithvi Narayan. This part of the compound is closed to non-Hindus, but you can descend some stone steps to peak into the cave where the saint once lived.
HANUMAN STATUE
If you leave via the northern gate, you´ll come to a vividly painted carving of Hanuman, the monkey god, and a series of carved stone steles. A path leads east from here past a large stone resting platform (chautara) to an exposed rocky bluff with awesome views of the mountains and a set of carved stone footprints, attributed variously to Sita, Rama, Gorkhanath and Guru Padmasambhava.
The durbar is an important religios site, and visitors must follow strict rules. Shoes should be removed and photography and leather - including belts - are banned inside the Durbar complex.